“And it shall be, when he lieth down, that thou shalt mark the place where he shall lie, and thou shalt go in, and uncover his feet, and lay thee down; and he will tell thee what thou shalt do.”
Context:The Book of Ruth is a beautiful narrative found in the Old Testament, which tells the story of a Moabite woman named Ruth and her loyalty and devotion to her mother-in-law, Naomi. In this particular verse, Naomi gives instructions to Ruth regarding a significant moment in the story.
Naomi’s Plan:Naomi instructs Ruth on how to approach Boaz, a close relative of Naomi’s deceased husband. In the customs of that time, a close relative had the responsibility to redeem or buy back the land and property of a deceased relative. Boaz was a potential kinsman-redeemer for Ruth and Naomi.
Symbolic Act:Naomi’s instructions to Ruth involve a symbolic act that would communicate her interest in Boaz as a potential husband. Ruth is told to wait until Boaz has eaten and drunk and lies down to rest. Then she is to go to him, uncover his feet, and lie down. This act is often understood as a sign of submission and a request for Boaz’s protection and redemption.
Cultural Context:It is important to note that the customs and practices of that time were different from our modern context. The act of lying at someone’s feet was not a romantic or inappropriate gesture. Rather, it was a culturally accepted way of showing humility, respect, and a desire for a person’s protection or care.
Ruth’s Obedience:Ruth’s response to Naomi’s instructions is an example of her obedience and trust in her mother-in-law. She followed the instructions faithfully, showing her commitment to Naomi’s plan and her willingness to take the necessary steps to secure their future.
Boaz’s Response:In the subsequent verses, we see Boaz’s response to Ruth’s actions. He acknowledges her virtuous character and her choice to seek refuge under the wings of the Lord God of Israel. Boaz, recognizing Ruth’s loyalty and the potential for redemption, promises to fulfill his role as a kinsman-redeemer and take care of her.
Themes:Ruth 3:4 highlights several important themes found throughout the Book of Ruth, such as loyalty, trust, redemption, and the providence of God. It demonstrates Ruth’s faithfulness to Naomi, Boaz’s honorable character, and the divine orchestration of events leading to the ultimate redemption of Ruth and Naomi’s family line.
Overall, Ruth 3:4 showcases the faith and obedience of Ruth, as well as the cultural practices of that time. It serves as a pivotal moment in the story, setting the stage for further developments and highlighting the themes of redemption and God’s providential care.
